Radiation Doses to Waterfowl Using a Liquid Radioactive Waste Disposal Area

Plutonium, Am, Cm and Sr in Ducks Maintained on Radioactive Leaching Ponds in Southeastern Idaho

“…Muscle did not have detectable concentrations of transuranic radionuclides. Three thousand one hundred forty-one individuals representing 22 species of waterfowl were observed on the TRA ponds from January 1974 through March 1978 (Halford et al 1982). If each of the 3 14 1 waterfowl had transuranic concentrations equal to the averages in the experimental waterfowl, 48 kBq ( I300 nCi) of transuranics would have been removed during this period, or an annual average of 11.3 kBq (305 nCi).…”

“…The 1964 pond was partially covered by shallow water forming a marshy area of a p proximately 130 m2 and a dry pond basin of about 800 m2. Aquatic and littoral vegetation associated with disturbed sites has invaded the area (Halford et al 1982). Limnological parameters from the 1952/1957 ponds have been reported by Kuzo et a].…”

“…As part of concurrent studies on radiation doses to ducks (Halford et al 1982) and elimination rates of yemitting radionuclides from ducks (Halford et al 1983), commercially raised adult mallard ducks (Anus plutyrhynchos) were purchased in September 1977. The ducks were wing-clipped, placed in a holding pen and given water and a mixture of oats, barley and wheat ad libitum for a period of one month.…”

“…In addition to activation and fission products, the liquid waste contained the transuranic radionuclides, 238Pu, 239*240Pu, 24'Am, 242Cm, and 244Cm. The general characterization and description of the yemitting nuclide input to the ponds have been previously described (Halford et al 1982, Halford et al 1983, Kuzo et al 1983, Halford and Markham 1984. However, quantities of transuranics disposed in the ponds are unknown.…”

“…A 1.1-m high wire fence surrounding the three ponds enclosed a total area of 3.0 X lo4 m2. At the time ofthis study, the 1952 and 1957 ponds constituted a continuous 8.2 X lo3 m2 body of water with a mean depth of 3 m. The coarsely grained sediments, gravel and stones of these pond bottoms were covered with a mat of periphyton, comprised primarily of diatoms, throughout the year (Halford et al 1982). The 1964 pond was partially covered by shallow water forming a marshy area of a p proximately 130 m2 and a dry pond basin of about 800 m2.…”